Jazz Vespers originates with the innovative ministry of Pastor John Garcia Gensel, a lover of jazz and a firm believer in the spiritual power of the music. In the late 1950s, he felt a growing conviction that “jazz musicians had special needs no church was tending to.” 

Called as pastor of Advent Lutheran Church (located at 93rd and Broadway) in 1956, Pastor Gensel began visiting jazz clubs in his “spare time.” He began experimental liturgies with Charles Mingus and Randy Weston. The ministry grew. 

In 1965 the Lutheran Board of American Missions extended to Pastor Gensel a full time call as Pastor to the Jazz Community. Encouraged by Ruth Ellington, in particular, he continued to develop the ministry. Three different liturgies were staged from October 1965 through early spring 1966.

Precisely at the same time, The Rev. Dr. Ralph E. Peterson, a friend and colleague, was called to be Senior Pastor of Saint Peter’s. He told the congregation he would only accept the call if Pastor Gensel and his Jazz Ministry came with him. The congregation agreed and in May of 1966 Pastor Gensel and jazz arrived. 

The very first Jazz Vespers at Saint Peter’s was held on May 15, 1966 with Vija Vetra (dancer) and the Ollie Shearer (vibes) Quartet.  A week later, Howard McGhee, who played with Charlie Parker, was the band leader. A week after that, Joe Newman led on trumpet. Jazz Vespers has continued weekly ever since. 

As Pastor Gensel intended, Jazz Vespers remains focused on the musicians and on those who love this music: “to bring about a rapport between the jazz community and the church — a church that for too long offered no welcome to the jazz performer or the music that is their life.”

Hailed as “a wonderfully charismatic performer with a show-stopping voice” by The Washington Post, Catherine Russell is a native New Yorker, born into musical royalty. Her father, the late Luis Russell, was a legendary pianist / composer / bandleader, and Louis Armstrong's long-time musical director. Her mother, the late Carline Ray, was a pioneering vocalist / guitarist / bassist who performed with International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Mary Lou Williams, and Sy Oliver. 

With universal acclaim, Catherine Russell has performed on four continents. She's been a hit at major Jazz Festivals including Monterey, Newport, North Sea, JazzAscona, Montreal, Bern, Rochester International, Panama, Tanglewood, and at sold out venues like The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Scullers in Boston, The Dakota in Minneapolis, Jazz at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in NYC, SFJazz in San Francisco, and Pasadena Pops in Los Angeles. All Music Guide says, "Russell emerged as a retro old school vocalist for the ages." 

Her repertoire features a selection of gems from the 1920s through the Present; vital interpretations, bursting with soul and humor. With an off-the-beaten-path song selection, sparkling acoustic swing, and a stunning vocal approach, Catherine Russell has joined the ranks of the greatest interpreters and performers of American Popular Song. 

Manhattan School of Music instituted its first jazz degree program in 1984: a Master of Music in Jazz/Commercial Music Studies. Faculty and students associated with MSM include Ron Carter, Max Roach, Benny Bennack III, Miguel Zenón, Emmet Cohen, Harry Connick Jr., Buster Williams, Herbie Mann, and Stefon Harris—many of whom have performed at Saint Peter’s. MSM plays a prominent role in fostering future musicians through jazz programming for precollege, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.

Manhattan School of Music was also one of the first colleges featured in the newly-established Jazz on the Plaza: Back to School Edition established in 2025, an expansion of New York City’s favorite outdoor jazz festival—since 1996.